Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is often caused when the tongue or other muscles in the back of the throat collapse. This collapse or relaxation blocks the airway. It results in several awakenings during the sleep cycle. Sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches, excessive tiredness, decreased productivity and irritability. You may not realize how important sleep is to your health until you’re not getting enough.
 
The good news is, you have options when it comes to treating sleep apnea. At Greenville Family Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Emuedue will be happy to discuss treatment options and help you determine what would work best for your situation.
 
There are different ways obstructive sleep apnea can be treated including oral appliances and CPAP therapy, which involves using continuous positive airway pressure. But in some instances, oral surgery may be the best option.
 
Oral surgery to treat sleep apnea may involve removing tissue, which is blocking or obstructing the airway, from the back of the throat and upper mouth. This procedure is referred to as an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
 
An additional surgical option involves maxillomandibular advancement. This procedure reduces the obstruction by surgically moving the jaw forward in front of the facial bones, creating more room behind the soft palate.
 
The type of treatment recommended may depend on the severity of your symptoms and personal preference. Dr. Emuedue and the staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will be happy to answer your question.
 
For more information on sleep apnea and treatment options, please call our office at 903-455-6701.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Bridges

Missing teeth may occur due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease. Missing teeth can affect surrounding teeth, chewing and self-esteem. Bridges are a great option in order to replace lost teeth. They look natural and can restore your smile. A bridge can also prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.
 
Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS, and his staff at Greenville Family Dentistry are experienced at various types of restorative dentistry, including bridges. Bridges may be constructed from porcelain, alloy, gold or a combination of materials. A bridge fills in the space where the missing tooth was. It is
attached to two crowns on the adjacent teeth. The two crowns act as anchors for the bridge.
 
The process of getting a bridge involves a couple of steps. The first step includes having the adjacent teeth prepared and molds of the mouth taken. A temporary bridge is placed while the permanent bridge is being made in a laboratory. During the second appointment, the permanent bridge will be placed and adjusted as needed.
 
If you are looking for superior dentistry in the Greenville, TX area, we invite you to call Greenville Family Dentistry. We offer dental services including preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry in a state of the art facility.
For more information on dental bridges or to make an appointment, please call our office at 903-455-6701.